The home cake decorating business teaches not only how to design cakes, then learn designing the best-looking confections and finally turn this knowledge into a profitable business. This is a venture that really doesn’t have a lot of overhead, but you do need to know how to proceed. Do you have to spend lots of money for courses that teach you how to run a business from home?

Some people think presenting the best cake design instantly launches you into the black. Pretty cakes are great! However as in any real business it’s vital to step back, take your time and do your homework to avoid disappointment or stress.

Here are a couple of tips to get you started: first, if you already know how to decorate cakes, start photographing all your cakes to build your portfolio.

Next, build a client list. There are lots of occasions when people want a beautifully designed cake, right? And where do you find them? A good place to start is your local florist, jewelry store, or gift shop. You could exchange a free or discounted cake in exchange for leaving a poster or brochure. Or, offer the store owner a percentage of your profits from referrals. Your own affiliate program.

Like-minded businesses can work together as well: the photographer, cake designer, event planner, etc.

This is a favorite tip that works really well, and it borrows from the anticipation people feel with being an early bird or insider: What about a loyalty program? People who agree to buy “x” amount of cakes per year can get an instant discount by pre-paying for their cakes. You will have an instant influx of cash, a list of customers, and if you are ambitious, you can follow up with your clients all through the year with specials, ask for referrals, and on it goes.

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What about you? Do you have any cake decorating business tips to share?